William R. Stevens

Bill was born on April 3, 1939 in Houston, TX to his parents, Joseph and Mary Stevens. He married Annette Sweitzer in 1958. He was attending the University of Houston when he was drafted by the military and joined the Navy where he served six years; he was honorably discharged as a Third Class Boatswain’s Mate. He worked as an oil field Mud Engineer before returning with Annette to Houston and entering a career in appliances. Bill began in the warehouse at Gulf & Basco and was quickly promoted to outside salesman. He ended up at Metro Wholesale and eventually became the General Manager. He retired May 31, 2019.

Bill was a dedicated family man and loved his wife, kids, and grandkids. He was an accomplished runner, completing two marathons, a successful girls softball coach, and is the master of his award-winning chili. He loved to fish, ride his tractor, garden, relax in his pool, sit on his back porch at the country house, and dance with his wife (or anyone else who would dance with him.) He loved cooking and grilled countless hamburgers for anyone who would come over on a Saturday night.

Bill is survived by his wife, Annette Stevens; his children Sanns Knapo-Stevens and her wife Carlotta, Nicci Schinman and her husband Dave, Will Stevens and his wife Della; his sister Presh Sparks; his brother Joe Stevens; grandchildren Jacob and Haven Stevens, and Livi and Ingrid Schinman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Steve” and Mary Stevens and his sister Jan Fry; and brother-in-law George Sparks.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that donations be made to Camp Hope or The Make a Wish Foundation.